The job has not been filled since David Moffett left three months ago, with responsibilities being shared by individuals including WRU chief executive Steve Lewis and Millennium Stadium boss Paul Sergeant.

The clubs voiced protests during recent so-called Red Zone Roadshow meetings when Lewis and WRU chairman David Pickering addressed officials over events surrounding Mike Ruddocks departure as national coach in February.

WRU moves for a special general meeting - it will take place in Cardiff on April 23 - do not prevent clubs calling an extraordinary general meeting in their quest for answers over the Ruddock saga.

The clubs were already aware it was the boards intention to debate this issue (group chief executive) fully and openly at the annual general meeting in September, said Pickering, in a prepared statement.

However, following the concerns expressed by the clubs during the roadshows, the board of directors has decided to call an SGM to debate the issue fully. This debate will bring the matter to a head and a resolution will follow.